FYI — Along with the renaming of the materials used, Shapeways has changed the orientation process as well. Previously, you would submit your part as standing on the build plaine and rotate it on that plane. Most of the time, they would honor that setting, but not always. Now when you upload a part, they automatically position it in what they call the most economical position to render, which basically is the position that has the smallest footprint on the build tray. If you change to a position that increases the footprint, the price increases as well. For example, if the part is a the wall of a building, they would prefer to build it on edge, which would impact the detail due to layering and overhanging detail causing distortion from adjacent wax support. The best position quality-wise is to build it flat, with the bottom edge of the wall either parallel or perpendicular to the print path based on the detail (parallel for bricks and horizontal clapboard, perpendicular for vertical wood slats) to minimize clean-up. They now charge a premium for that scenario.
I don’t have a problem with the vig for two reasons. First is that they now officially allow you to specify the exact build orientation of parts. Second, they can be held accountable for parts not built properly because they are charging for it. I’ve had more success than others in the past getting results on bad parts because of the quantities I request, and getting their commitment prior to placing those orders, but others have not been as fortunate in having them do the right thing.
